Overcoming Depression
by Jean
LeStourgeon
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Identifying Depression
Depression, like most mental illness runs the continuum of severity. It
can be mild or major. It can last from weeks to months. It can involve
anxiety symptoms as well. Depression is primarily characterized by sadness
and/or loss of pleasure in nearly all activities. Additionally, there may
be symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and psychomotor
activity (changes in both mental and physical responsiveness and/or
activity).
A depressed person may struggle with feelings of low self worth,
recurrent thoughts of dying, as well as difficulty concentrating or making
decisions. In children and adolescents the mood is often manifested as
irritability rather than sadness. Some people may deny having feelings of
sadness; instead they may report feeling numb or having no feelings at
all.
Taking Action
First, it is important to look at how severely one’s functioning may be
impaired. If the person’s level of functioning has been significantly
impaired, i.e. they are having difficulty performing their daily routine,
seek professional help immediately. A trip to the family doctor to rule
out any medical conditions that might be causing the mood disorder is a
good place to start.
Second, assess whether there have been any significant changes in
circumstances, relationships etc. that may be contributing to the
depression.
Third, if your loved one indicates they have a plan or intentions to
harm themselves, take action immediately to get help. Call a mental health
professional that you have been referred to by a reliable source or check
your phone book for community mental health services. You can also call
1-800-784-2433 a suicide prevention hotline. If the threat is imminent,
call 911.
Don’t Wait – Get Help
One of the biggest reasons people do not seek help is the shame they
feel about having a mental illness. The reality is that our minds are
vulnerable to illness just like our bodies. There is no shame in
developing the flu or some other medical condition, so why is there with
the mind? Those who avoid seeking help because of the shame they feel only
languish longer than necessary.
How Counseling Can Help
A counselor can help a person gain perspective about their illness;
resolve problems that may be contributing to the depression and assist the
person in developing coping skills.
However, in addition to counseling, depending on the severity of the
depression, medication may also be a treatment option. You can discuss
this with your counselor, who could then refer you to a psychiatrist to
prescribe and manage the necessary medication.
Relief is available for difficulties that plague our minds. It is truly
the wise that seek out the help, wisdom and counsel of those whom God has
equipped to facilitate the healing of the mind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jean LeStourgeon, MA, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private
practice in Palm Bay, Florida. She also operates the website Christian Counseling Online where you can find lots
more information and tools on topics like Depression Help and Signs of Depression, all from a Biblical
perspective.
Copyright 2006 Christian-Counseling-Online.com. You may have permission
to use this article electronically or in print as long as all bylines are
used and all links remain. The author would appreciate a copy of your
publication.
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